Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'
globe thistle 'Taplow Blue'
A robust, upright herbaceous perennial, with divided, prickly dark green leaves whitish beneath. Rounded, steel-blue flower heads on branched, leafy stems
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Echinops can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or pinnately lobed, spiny leaves and spherical blue or whitish flower-heads
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun and can tolerate partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in seed bed in mid spring. Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prevent self-seeding
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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